Navigating the Road Ahead: Negotiations, Artificial Intelligence, and Organizing

January 1, 2025

Tino Gagliardi  -  AFM International President

Let me start by saying that I was delighted to attend the Kennedy Center Honors on December 8, and it was truly an amazing event, especially to see our members front and center, along with our SAG-AFTRA siblings.

As we begin 2025, our negotiations with the television networks for a successor to the Television Videotape Agreement continue. Following a second extension signed to carry the current agreement through the end of January, we are still working to resolve outstanding issues, primarily economics and the treatment of new media platforms. While challenging, the process has been cooperative thus far, and we hope to conclude these negotiations before the expiration of the current extension.

As I’ve discussed in my columns during the past year and a half, one of the most pressing challenges our industry faces today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid advancements in these technologies pose significant threats to musicians’ livelihoods, including the potential for AI generated music to replace human performers and for AI to be misused to replicate artists’ unique styles.

Ben Kessler, the AFM director of government affairs, is leading efforts in Washington, DC, to advocate for legislation that protects musicians’ intellectual property rights and prohibits the theft of intellectual property and the unregulated use of AI in music.

As I write this column, Congress is on the brink of a shutdown. The exact legislative vehicle to fund the government remains unclear. Leading up to this moment, the musicFIRST Coalition, of which AFM is a member, insisted that Congress should not use the funding bill to mandate AM radios in cars so long as musicians still aren’t compensated for spins on those airwaves. We were going against considerable opposition. Because of your advocacy and the steadfast support of Congressional leadership, we were successful. Our fight continues in 2025, as we work toward the passage of the American Music Fairness Act.

Outreach to musicians remains a top priority as we work together toward our shared goals. I am very happy to report that, after some time and much searching, the Freelance Services Department will once again be in full swing. Wages Argott, who led the department for three years, has agreed to return to his role as director of Freelance Services and Membership Development.

Argott, an active freelance musician and veteran of several AFM departments, will work closely with our locals to address the unique challenges that freelance musicians face, which are of great concern to us. Together, we are committed to tackling difficulties encountered by freelancers in the US and Canada and exploring ways our union can provide resources and support to these essential members.

Additionally, the AFM Organizing Division continues to gain momentum as it actively engages with musicians across the US and Canada to educate them about their workplace rights and the protections provided by a union contract. To achieve this goal, we are fostering strong collaboration among all AFM departments—Symphonic Services, Theatre/Touring, Electronic Media Services, Freelance Services, Government Affairs, and Education. By leveraging the unique expertise of each department, we can gain valuable insights into the diverse sectors and the musicians within them. Our aim is to empower musicians across the US and Canada by effectively utilizing the resources and advantages offered by the AFM.

While our industry does face a range of complex challenges, I am confident of our ability to address them effectively. By focusing on organization, collective bargaining, and legislative advocacy in both the US and Canada, we can advocate for fair compensation, equitable working conditions, and a sustainable future for all musicians.

I strongly believe that fostering collaboration across all departments will enable us to effectively address the various issues we encounter as a union. Together, we can strengthen our union and ensure a more resilient future for generations to come.

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Access the List of Locals Online

As a reminder, the AFM List of Locals, the directory of Federation staff and all AFM locals across the US and Canada, is available in the Document Library of the members-only website at https://members.afm.org/member/library/. The List of Locals PDF is updated monthly to provide current contact information for each local, including phone numbers, email addresses, and website links.

Additionally, the List of Locals details the geographical jurisdictions and work dues for each local, ensuring musicians and locals can readily identify the appropriate local for their needs. Whether you’re a local officer seeking collaboration or a musician requiring local guidance, the List of Locals serves as a valuable tool for navigating the AFM network.

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